Sales of air conditioners surge amid early heat wave SEOUL, May 25 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics sold more than 10,000 air conditioners per day over the past week, as demand surged ahead of another scorching summer, the electronics giant said on Sunday. Samsung said the daily sales of its air conditioners surpassed the 10,000 mark over the last five days, up over 30 percent from the same period last year. The milestone came about a month earlier than last year, when it was set in mid-June. The early arrival of hot weather may have rushed the surge in demand, amid forecasts that this summer will be hotter and longer than in previous years. Samsung said its production lines have been operating at full capacity, with some 47,000 engineers working to keep up with demand. Rival LG Electronics also said sales of its flagship Whisen air conditioners equipped with artificial intelligence-assisted technology rose about 45 percent on-year during the first four months of this year. 2025-05-25 14:45:19

North Korea arrests those responsible for failed destroyer launch SEOUL, May 25 (AJP) - North Korea has arrested a slew of officials and shipyard workers responsible for the failed launch of its naval destroyer earlier this week and taken steps to investigate them. The country's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Sunday that the investigation into the incident is "being intensified." The development came just a few days after leader Kim Jong-un's fury over the incident, which he blamed on "criminal negligence." KCNA earlier quoted North Korean military authorities as saying, "No matter how good the state of the warship is, the fact that the accident is an unpardonable criminal act remains unchanged, and those responsible for it can never evade their responsibility for the crime." The 5,000-ton-class warship was accidentally capsized during a launch ceremony at the northeastern port city of Chongjin last Wednesday, causing a huge embarrassment for Kim, who was there to apparently show off the country's military might. Kim reportedly ordered the destroyer to be repaired before the Workers' Party gathering convenes in late June. KCNA also claimed that the damage was "not serious" and could be repaired in about 10 days, although the extremely secretive nature of the isolated country makes it almost impossible to verify. Satellite images of the site showed the destroyer lying on its side, with most of its hull submerged. "How severe the damage to the vessel is, whether it is a total loss, how long it will take to repair, and how successful the overall salvage operation will be are yet unclear," according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The think tank, nevertheless, speculated that the destroyer "will not be entering service anytime soon and may ultimately prove to be a complete loss," which has "undoubtedly disrupted" Kim's plans to strengthen naval forces "capable of strategic offensive operations." The botched launch "marks a setback for what analysts have viewed as North Korea's most ambitious naval modernization effort in decades," U.S. news outlet CNN also reported. The damaged destroyer is believed to be a follow-up to North Korea's first such vessel, unveiled last month as part of Kim's ambitious plans to build more destroyers and various frigates. It is said to be capable of carrying a range of weapons including nuclear missiles, and was likely built with Russian assistance. 2025-05-25 11:28:09

Conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo to meet former President Park Geun-hye SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) - People Power Party presidential nominee Kim Moon-soo will meet with former President Park Geun-hye at her Daegu residence on Saturday, party officials announced. The meeting occurs ten days before the June 3 presidential election to select a successor to impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kim will be accompanied by Representative Yun Jae-ok, the campaign's chief manager, and party spokesperson Shin Dong-wook. This marks their first encounter since Kim won the party nomination earlier this month. The candidate also plans to visit Gumi, the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee, Park Geun-hye's father. The election follows the Constitutional Court's April 4 ruling upholding Yoon's impeachment over his December martial law declaration. Kim secured the party nomination on May 3 with 56.5 percent of primary votes. 2025-05-24 17:30:15

KATSEYE's 'Gnarly' charts for third week on UK Official Singles chart SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) - Global girl group KATSEYE's track "Gnarly" has maintained its position on the UK Official Singles Top 100 chart for a third consecutive week, landing at number 90 for the week of May 23 to 29, according to chart data released Friday. The song first entered the UK chart at number 52 for the week of May 9 to 15 before securing its current three-week run. KATSEYE is a collaboration between South Korean entertainment company HYBE and American label Geffen Records. On Spotify, "Gnarly" reached number 42 on the Daily Top Songs Global chart as of May 22, up three positions from the previous day. The track held steady at number 46 on the Weekly Top Songs Global chart for May 16 to 22, accumulating 14.29 million streams during the week-long period. The song has also appeared on several Billboard charts, debuting at number 92 on the Hot 100 chart dated May 17. It subsequently ranked at number 46 on the Global 200 chart and number 31 on the Global Excluding US chart for the week dated May 24. KATSEYE is scheduled to release their second EP titled "BEAUTIFUL CHAOS" on June 27, 2025. The group's "Gnarly" incorporates hyperpop elements combined with dance and funk influences, and was included in Spotify's "Songs of Summer 2025" predictions list. 2025-05-24 14:42:20

Trump threatens 25 percent smartphone tariffs, 50 percent EU duties SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) - President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on all smartphones manufactured overseas, including Apple iPhones and Samsung devices, while also warning the European Union of a 50 percent tariff on goods starting June 1. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump expanded his initial threat against Apple to include all smartphone manufacturers selling devices in the United States that are not produced domestically. "It would be more. It would also be Samsung and anybody that makes that product, otherwise it wouldn't be fair," Trump said. He indicated the smartphone tariffs would begin "at the end of June." The president emphasized that companies could avoid tariffs by manufacturing in the United States. "When they build their plant here, there's no tariff," Trump told reporters. He claimed to have reached an understanding with Apple CEO Tim Cook that the company would not continue iPhone production overseas, though Apple declined to comment. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration views overseas production, particularly in semiconductors, as a national security vulnerability. "I think that one of our greatest vulnerabilities is this external production, especially in semiconductors," Bessent told Fox News. "And a large part of Apple's components are in semiconductors. So we would like to have Apple help us make the semiconductor supply chain more secure." Trump also announced via Truth Social his intention to impose a 50 percent tariff on European Union goods, citing stalled trade negotiations. "Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50 percent Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025," Trump wrote. When asked by reporters if he was seeking negotiations with the EU, Trump replied: "I'm not looking for a deal. We've set the deal – it's at 50 percent." 2025-05-24 11:04:36

Turkish House reopens in Seoul as symbol of friendship with Türkiye SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - After years of quiet during the pandemic, the Turkish House in Seoul’s Yeouido, the center of finance and politics, reopened on May 21, renewing its role as a space for cultural exchange between South Korea and Türkiye. The two-story building, nestled inside Ankara Park, has stood since 1995 as a small but visible reminder of the ties between the two countries. That bond dates back to the Korean War, when Türkiye was one of the first nations to send troops to support South Korea under the United Nations flag. More than 15,000 Turkish soldiers fought in the conflict, and over 700 lost their lives. Their sacrifice laid the foundation for what many in South Korea still refer to as a “brotherhood” between the two nations, an emotional and historical connection that continues to shape diplomatic and cultural relations today. Turkish Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer led the reopening ceremony alongside officials from Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and Yeongdeungpo District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon. The event followed a memorandum of understanding signed last June between the Turkish Embassy and the Yeongdeungpo District Office, paving the way for new renovations. In his remarks, Ambassador Tamer spoke of the building’s deeper meaning. “Our bonds began since the Korean War in 1950 have now grown into a close friendship between our peoples over nations,” he said. “The Turkish House is a tangible symbol of that bond, a bridge for Turkish culture in the heart of Seoul, and a hope for our future.” Since its original opening nearly 30 years ago, the Turkish House has served as a cultural outpost representing Türkiye’s connection to South Korea. Modeled after a traditional vineyard house, its interior features over 800 folk items donated by Türkiye, including hand-crafted tools, traditional garments, and rural household goods. The site will now be used for exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, open to the public throughout the year. “It was a great pleasure to have everyone at the reopening of the Turkish House, a place of friendship between Seoul and Ankara,” said Yeongdeungpo District Mayor Choi. “After a protocol signed with the Ambassador, we newly built crescent moon-shaped fountains around the house, like patterns in a Turkish flag.” As the Turkish House resumes its role as a cultural hub, Ambassador Tamer said he hopes it will continue to deepen people-to-people ties and reflect the spirit of a friendship that began on the battlefield and continues through shared heritage. 2025-05-23 18:01:17

India and South Korea come together to mark 11th International Day of Yoga SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - In Seoul on May 22, the Embassy of India and the Korea Yoga Association hosted a joint press conference to announce plans for this year’s 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025), which also marks a decade since the first global celebration of the event in 2015. The main celebration will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, one of South Korea’s most iconic public spaces. About 1,000 participants are expected to gather under this year’s slogan, "Discover Your AURA," and the theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." Organizers estimate that approximately 10 million South Koreans have practiced yoga at least once. Additional yoga programs are scheduled throughout June in Jeju, Busan, and Nami Island. Indian Ambassador to South Korea Amit Kumar opened the briefing by reflecting on yoga’s long history and its expanding role in modern life. "Yoga is not just a physical exercise, it is a holistic approach to wellbeing," he said. "It encompasses various practices, including asanas or postures, pranayama or breathing techniques, and meditation." He reminded the audience that yoga has been practiced in India for over 3,000 years and gained global recognition when it was added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list in 2016, following the UN’s adoption of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. "Yoga offers us a sanctuary, a space where we can reconnect with ourselves and find peace," the ambassador said, highlighting its relevance in addressing lifestyle-related diseases and its increasing role in preventive healthcare frameworks. Ambassador Kumar thanked the Korea Yoga Association, local governments, sponsors, and institutions including the India Center at Busan University of Foreign Studies for their collaboration. He also expressed appreciation to Miss Lee Geum-hee, a well-known broadcaster who was appointed as the promotional ambassador for this year’s event, and yoga instructor Moon Jeong-hye, who will lead the main yoga session in Seoul. Lee, who served as the master of ceremonies at last year’s rain-soaked IDY event at COEX, recalled being deeply moved by the determination of the participants. "I will never forget that scene," she said. "So many yoga practitioners stayed until the end, soaking wet but completely focused." That experience, she said, inspired her to accept the role of ambassador for IDY 2025. "I want people to discover yoga like fans discover their favorite idols, so no one misses out," she said. Lee also praised the dedication of the organizers and shared her hope that yoga in Korea can grow beyond a wellness trend. "These days, K-pop, K-drama, and K-food are all making waves around the world. I hope ‘K-Yoga’ can join that list," she said. "We have enough content, enough practitioners, and enough instructors." She added with a smile, "If there's a role I can play, I’ll do my best, starting with improving my English." 2025-05-23 16:46:13

DP's Lee maintains lead as presidential race tightens SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - With South Korea’s presidential election just two weeks away, Lee Jae-myung, candidate of the Democratic Party (DP), maintains a clear lead over his rivals despite recent setbacks, a new poll showed on Friday. According to a survey of 1,002 voters conducted earlier this week by pollster Gallup Korea, Lee garnered 45 percent support as the preferred presidential candidate. Kim Moon-soo, the candidate for People Power Party (PPP), followed in second place with 36 percent, narrowing the gap significantly by gaining 7 percentage points from the previous week, while Lee’s support dropped by 6 points. Kim, a former Minister of Employment and Labor, has recently gained traction, especially among conservative voters, amid controversies following former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s departure from the PPP and heated exchanges during the first televised debate. Lee, who initially sought to broaden his appeal among moderate and conservative voters, saw declining support from conservatives, down from 22 percent to 18 percent, and a slight drop among moderates, from 52 percent to 49 percent. Lee Jun-seok, leader of the minor Reform Party, reached double-digit support for the first time, securing 10 percent. Lee’s rise was notably strong among young voters in their 20s and 30s. Regionally, Lee Jae-myung maintained strong leads in Seoul, and the densely populated area surrounding it, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon in the northwest. In contrast, Kim dominated traditional conservative strongholds, including Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province in the southeastern part of the country, as well as the southeastern coastal cities of Busan and Ulsan along with South Gyeongsang Province. Both candidates were nearly tied in the central Daejeon-Chungcheong region. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party led party preference ratings with 42 percent support, ahead of the PPP, which stood at 36 percent. The Reform Party achieved its highest-ever support at 6 percent since its establishment. 2025-05-23 16:18:12

With creator power, Leferi opens flagship K-beauty pop-up store SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - Leferi, a global beauty retail company known for its management of online beauty creators, inaugurated its largest retail space to date on Thursday with the opening of “Select Store – THE BEAUTY UNIVERSE” in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The store, spanning 300 square meters within the XYZ Seoul complex, marks a strategic expansion for the company. For the first time, Leferi is featuring a trio of top-tier beauty influencers — LeoJ (1.41 million subscribers), Soyoon (753,000), and Arang (483,000) — as co-curators. Described by the company as its most ambitious retail endeavor, the pop-up store will run through June 1. It draws on the popularity of past creator-led pop-ups, including installations with LeoJ in Seongsu and Minsco at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido. But this latest effort takes a more collective approach, branding the trio as a “Beauty Avengers” team. The space showcases 63 products from 29 beauty labels across skincare, makeup, hair care, and wellness. Items are grouped under three thematic categories: “Legacy” (established favorites), “Newness” (recent launches), and “Rediscovery” (revived selections). Featured brands include household names such as Laneige, AHC, Dewytree, and Goodal, as well as emerging players like Narca and Notts. Beyond retail, the initiative incorporates a series of interactive experiences, including meet-and-greets with creators and guided tours designed to enhance brand storytelling. The event has drawn a mix of industry professionals, including domestic and international distributors, investors, and global buyers, underscoring its broader commercial ambition. Founded in 2013, Leferi oversees a network of roughly 800 creators and has trained or produced more than 1,500 to date. As part of its international expansion, the company plans to open a 500-square-meter store in Tokyo’s Omotesando district this October, directly across from the influential Japanese beauty retailer @cosme Tokyo. The new location is expected to serve as a launchpad for Korean beauty brands entering the Japanese market. 2025-05-23 15:59:35

British Embassy in Seoul celebrates King Charles III's birthday SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - The British Embassy in Seoul hosted a special reception on Thursday evening to celebrate the birthday of King Charles III, marking Britain’s most significant diplomatic event of the year. The King’s Birthday celebration, organized annually by British embassies and high commissions worldwide, was held with the support of numerous British and South Korean companies and organizations, including Dulwich College. This year’s event was themed “The Best of British,” offering guests a chance to experience British culture, cuisine, beverages, and music. The evening also featured K-pop artists moderating and performing, including performances of the national anthems of both nations. “The relationship between the UK and Korea is growing deeply and ambitiously,” British Ambassador to Seoul Colin Crooks said. “Based on the Downing Street Accord, which underpins our cooperation, our two countries have strengthened ties in trade, investment, defense, security, climate, science, technology, and energy.” Crooks expressed confidence in future cooperation, adding, “The upcoming FTA negotiations over the next 12 months are expected to further enhance our trade and investment relations. The visit of the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will further reinforce our joint efforts for regional and global security.” He also highlighted cultural cooperation, noting, “the appointment of British architect Thomas Heatherwick as General Director of the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism reflects both countries’ strong soft power.” 2025-05-23 15:19:35